I'm pretty sure time has never passed so quickly. They say that happens with age...and children. Looking back, it was a wonderful holiday. Ron and Lynn arrived mid month and helped us prepare for Christmas. The kids (and Chad & I) love having them around. They also helped Chad and I get out for a few date nights. My mom also joined us for Christmas, so the kids were spoiled to death with all of their grandparents here (minus Grandpa Howard - but as always, he was with us in spirit).
Christmas Eve was spent at Uncle Chris and Auntie Shannon's. We did our usual appetizer/dessert menu and it was overly indulgent but amazing. We enjoyed Christmas morning with Ron, Lynn and the Chiala's and then moved on over to Aunt Vicki's in San Martin for the rest of the day (with all of the Rathbun clan). You should have seen the loads of presents. Ron & Lynn surprised us with a new Kitchen window (Ron installed) and lots of other goodies. Chad surprised Traci with a new Blackberry - total surprise, ringing in the tree and everything.
Kyle's big hits were the Garbage Truck from Grandpa, the bulldozer from my mom, and all the Thomas the train paraphernalia he received (all about trains right now).
Sean was a little oblivious to it all but flashed his smile - he's very smiley. Incredible how much Sean has changed, he has so much expression now and even gave a little giggle for Chad the other night when he was tickling him.
Chad, the kids and I got away to Reno for New Years. We did a 3 nighter, Chad skied and we played in the arcade and kids area - they had an incredible place for the kids to play (like pump it up) at the Grand Sierra (where we stayed). We took Kyle bowling in the casino bowling alley - very fun, he loved it. Upon our return, Chad and I even made it out to see Avatar, while Ron & Lynn babysat again.
All in all, great holiday, spent with both our families. All the grandparents have returned home, and will be missed.
I return to work in a few weeks. We're hoping to get one more quick getaway in after I take my HR Certification Exam. Unbelievable that Sean will go into daycare very soon (very sad). Wishing everyone a Happy 2010. We're off to a good start. Keep your fingers crossed that my mom gets her house sold and gets moved out here soon. In the meantime we will enjoy our trips to Nipomo to see her.
